Software-Defined Core Network with Feedback Control for Traffic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network solutions fail to provide a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective core network that can support high-performance and mission-critical applications, as the Internet is not reliable enough, and hardware-defined private networks are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The Mode Core Network (MCN) is a software-defined core network that uses a global overlay with edge compute capabilities, forming an autonomous private backbone, combining the reliability of hardware-defined networks with the flexibility of the cloud, and employs novel traffic routing algorithms based on mathematical characterization of network dynamics to adapt to dynamic traffic changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Internet is used as a best effort network, then cloud flexibility and affordability are improved, but reliability is insufficient for mission-critical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into public Internet infrastructure for general traffic and a private MCN overlay for mission-critical traffic. This segmentation allows organizations to maintain flexibility for non-critical applications while ensuring reliability for critical operations through dedicated private pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCN acts as an intermediary layer between the public Internet and private enterprise networks. It provides a mediator service that ensures reliable, performance-guaranteed connectivity for mission-critical applications while maintaining compatibility with standard Internet protocols and infrastructure.
2Reliability
If hardware-defined private networks (MPLS) are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-defined MPLS networks with a software-defined MCN overlay. Instead of relying on complex hardware appliances and proprietary hardware protocols, the solution uses software-based virtualization and standardized Internet protocols to achieve similar reliability with reduced hardware complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCN uses universal, standardized Internet protocols and infrastructure that can serve multiple purposes and applications. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated hardware for each network function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability through software-based service differentiation.
3Reliability
If multiple networks are managed separately, then reliability and cloud flexibility are maintained, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of public Internet connectivity and private network operations into a unified MCN platform. This consolidation allows organizations to manage both public and private network functions through a single interface and control plane, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of private networking and the flexibility of cloud connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of nodes configured to form a network comprising virtual links in an overlay network provisioned over an underlay network including servers of a public network. The system includes virtual routers (VRs) at each node. Each VR is coupled to the network and to a tenant of the node, and configured to form in the network a set of virtual links corresponding to the tenant. One or more VRs includes a feedback control system comprising an objective function that characterizes the network. The VR is configured to receive link state data of the set of virtual links and control routing of a tenant traffic flow of each tenant according to a best route of the network determined by the objective function using the link state data.